the thrill aint gone ,but the pain is back

[Steve Jeter]

Hi friends

I been gone a long while, I gave up banjo when I got chronic rt arm pain in hand and forearm. also tingling, and a shock kinda feeling when I did a strike.

I picked up my tackhead a couple weeks ago,, and the pain was gone. Unfortunately its back.I sleep everynight with a hand brace to help the carpal tunnel Ive dealt with for yrs. I sure don't want to stop banjo again, when I came back on here I remembered all the fun I had playing and the socializing here too.   my shoulders seem fine, just my rt hand and forearm..  I remember that English fella Ian Mclennan?  played sorta fingerstyle,,, I know that is not what I want to do . but I may have no option.  any ideas?

Steve

[Strumelia]

Is using a computer mouse in your right hand aggravating your CTS ?  If so, you can switch to a pen and tablet, which completely changes your hand/wrist/forearm position at the computer.  It might be just enough to move things in the right direction again.  Another (though less effective) thing is to try a very different mouse shape than what you;'ve been using.

I've had extreme pain in my right elbow for months now (injured it) and I sure can sympathize Steve.  I feel lucky i can play through it to a certain extent.

[Al Smitley]

I think Tim had problems, I think caused by playing a banjo with a neck that was long.  He sold it to me and I had some problems with tennis elbow, possibly from the same banjo.  Tim, chime in.  Could it be the neck length that is a problem?

[Steve Jeter]

thanks yall, I use a ergo mouse.  Ive been in the printing trade for almost 30 yrs, silk screen then offset. Dragging a 24-96"squeege across the screen messed up my forearms. But I was young and it didn't hurt so much.  I am really enjoying minstrel banjio and sure don't want to stop.  I need to take I slower,and build up. But moderation has never been my strong suit.

I did get a hooks thimble, I thought it would maybe make me strike softer, but it hasn't. I just enjoy the loudness :)

[Steve Jeter]

Im sorry I said Ian,, I meant Rob Macillop